NFA beats New London 28-7

NFA's Ryer Caruso, with bucket, and Joey Paparelli, (11), douse head coach Jemal Davis with sports drink after the Wildcats' Thanksgiving Day victory over New London Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012, at New London's Cannamela Field.

Norwich – Norwich Free Academy completed a perfect regular season by defeating New London 28-7 on Thursday morning in the 151st renewal of the nation's oldest high school football rivalry.

Quarterback Joe Paparelli threw a pair of touchdown passes to Ryer Caruso and Marcus Outlow ran for two more for the Wildcats (10-0), who unofficially finish as the No. 5 seed and will begin the Class LL playoffs on Tuesday at No. 4 Newtown.

New London, which finishes its first season under coach Duane Maranda at 7-3, scored in the fourth quarter on Joquin Riley's touchdown run. The loss eliminated the Whalers from the Class M playoffs.

NFA also clinched the Eastern Connecticut Conference Large Division title.

NFA's Ryer Caruso, (6), celebrates as he high-steps into the end zone untouched by the New London defense in the second half of Thanksgiving Day football action Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012, at New London's Cannamela Field.

NFA's Joey Papparelli, (11), tries to evade New London's Sammy Miranda, (7), and Caleb Camacho, (27), in the first half of Thanksgiving Day football action Thursday, November 22, 2012 at New London's Cannamela Field. NFA led at the half 14-0.

Members of the NFA football team march out to the field before taking on New London in Thanksgiving Day football action Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012 at New London's Cannamela Field.

NFA head coach Jemal Davis gives his team one last pep talk before taking the field against New London in Thanksgiving Day football action Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012, at New London's Cannamela Field.